Contents

Effect

In battle

Generation IV

Magic Guard prevents indirect damage, such as from Hail, Toxic, Curse, or Leech Seed. It does not prevent status problems, but rather protects from damaging effects. Damage caused upon being switched in, such as Stealth Rock, and Recoil is prevented except from using Struggle, and HP loss will still occur when using Belly Drum or Substitute. If a Pokémon with Magic Guard causes a Pokémon that used Destiny Bond to faint, the Pokémon with Magic Guard will also faint. Magic Guard will also cancel out Life Orb's HP deduction without negating its power boost. Additional effects such as trapping from moves like Fire Spin and Attack reduction from a burn are not prevented. If paralyzed, a Pokémon with Magic Guard will suffer from the normal Speed reduction but cannot be fully paralyzed. Magic Guard does not prevent damage from confusion or the effects of Perish Song. Magic Guard will prevent the user from being poisoned by Toxic Spikes.

Generation V

Magic Guard no longer grants immunity to being fully paralyzed, and no longer prevents poisoning from Toxic Spikes, though it still prevents poison damage. Magic Guard now prevents Imposter from activating.